California best young rider Kelderman extends with Rabobank

PARIS (AFP) — Up-and-coming talent Wilco Kelderman, who placed eighth overall at the Critérium du Dauphiné last month, has extended his contract with Rabobank for another year, the team revealed in Wednesday.

“We’re glad that he’s chosen us,” technical director Erik Breukink said in confirming that the 21-year-old Dutchman would stay on board at least until 2014.

“Last year I moved up from the Continental team to the ProTeam. The first half of the year was all about settling in, but I’ve been well taken care of and now feel super comfortable,” Kelderman said. “The Rabobank Cycling Team is the biggest team in the Netherlands — I’m very happy to be riding for them. This extension expresses a lot of faith — that is good for me.”

Breukink added: “Wilco is a talent that we are keen to help advance in his development. He’s already shown some nice results on the road (he won the white jersey in both the Tour of California and the Critérium du Dauphiné), but he’s still at the beginning of his career.